As the seasons shift and cooler weather makes its way to Minnesota, it’s time to think about how to transition your home from summer cooling to fall and winter heating. A little preparation now can go a long way in keeping your household comfortable and safe through the cold months ahead.
One of the best steps you can take is scheduling heating maintenance in Nashwauk, MN with our expert team before the first real cold snap. Along with professional service, there are several tasks you can do yourself to make sure your HVAC system is ready to handle whatever Minnesota winter throws your way.
1. Shut Down and Protect Your AC Unit
Your air conditioner worked hard all summer long, and now it deserves a proper shutdown. Turn off the power to the outdoor unit and give it a thorough cleaning. Remove leaves, grass, and debris that may have collected around or inside the system. Once it’s dry, consider covering the AC unit with a breathable cover to protect it from ice and snow. This will help prevent damage and extend its lifespan, ensuring it’s ready to cool your home again when summer returns.
2. Change the Air Filter
A clean air filter is one of the simplest yet most important parts of HVAC care. Filters clogged with dust, dirt, and pet hair force your furnace to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and even premature breakdowns. Replace your filter now so your system is ready to push clean air efficiently through your home when the furnace kicks on for the season.
3. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Before you need to rely on the furnace every day, test your thermostat. Switch it from cooling to heating mode and set it a few degrees warmer than the current temperature to make sure the system responds. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a smart thermostat, fall is a great time. These devices help you optimize your energy use and keep your home at just the right temperature, even when the weather is unpredictable.
4. Clear the Area Around the Furnace and Vents
Your furnace needs space to breathe. Go to your utility area and make sure boxes, storage items, or laundry aren’t blocking the unit. This reduces fire hazards and helps with airflow. Also, take a walk around your home and check all the vents. Move furniture, rugs, or curtains that may be blocking them, ensuring warm air can circulate freely throughout your home.
5. Schedule Professional Heating Maintenance
Finally, the most important step: schedule a professional tune-up. Our local technicians aren’t just HVAC experts—they’re your neighbors, and they know firsthand how tough a Minnesota winter can be. A professional inspection includes cleaning, safety checks, and adjustments that you simply can’t do on your own. This helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps your system running safely and efficiently all season long.
Don’t wait until the first snow to prepare your HVAC system. By shutting down and protecting your AC unit, changing filters, checking thermostats, clearing the furnace area, and scheduling professional maintenance, you’ll set yourself up for a warm, worry-free winter. Our team is here to make sure you and your family stay safe and cozy until spring arrives.
Reach out to Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning today. Service to you is success to us!